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My Favorite Time of Year for Sunsets at Virginia State Parks

By Annette BarefordPosted October 29, 2019

What is your favorite time of year to watch a sunset?

Mason Neck State Park

For me, it is the fall and winter. Autumn colors add a mellow tone to the outstanding light as the sun sets over lakes, rivers, and the ocean. Winter fields and trees never looked lovelier with a dusting of snow turned pink. I am sure there is a very scientific explanation of why the colors are so much more vibrant but frankly, I do not care, I just know I enjoy the romance. There are Native American tribes and different cultures that have legends about sunsets so the romance has been a very long one. And, we all seem to love taking pictures of the big ball that appears to sink into the horizon! There is even a word that describes lovers of sunsets, opacarophile.

Natural Tunnel State Park

I have always loved sunsets and sunrises. Growing up on the ocean I have seen some fabulous ones over the years including the “green flash” that sometimes happens when the sun is almost completely below the horizon. However, I think my true love for those started during my Virginia State Park career. At one point, I had an office on the Potomac River waterfront. In the fall and winter, my day would start before the sun came up, and sometimes after the sun would go down, a captive audience with a front-row seat. I would grab my camera and start shooting. Just a side note for younger folks, that was before we had cameras in our cell phones or at least decent ones. Shocking I know! That was also during the dawn of digital when digital cameras were not so affordable either.

Twin Lakes State Park

Plan your trip to a Virginia State Park today! Before you head out to your favorite Virginia State Park to capture “solis” while it’s going to sleep, please make sure you are in an area that is open to the public at sunset. Some of the day-use parks are actually closing their gates at that time. If you are not sure, please feel free to call the park office for more information.